Imaging system, method and distal attachment for multidirectional field of view endoscopy

ABSTRACT

An exemplary apparatus for imaging at least one anatomical structure can be provided. For example, the apparatus can include an endoscopic first arrangement, a radiation source second arrangement which provides at least one electro-magnetic radiation, and a third arrangement attached to at least one portion of the endoscopic arrangement. The third arrangement can contain an optical arrangement which, upon impact by the at least one electro-magnetic radiation and based thereon, may transmit a first radiation and reflects a second radiation. The first radiation can impact at least one first portion of the anatomical structure(s), and the second radiation can impact at least one second portion of the anatomical structure(s). The first and second portions can be at least partially different from one another. Further, the first and second radiations can have characteristics which are different from one another.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application based upon and claims the benefit of priority from U.S.Patent Application Ser. No. 61/618,225, filed Mar. 30, 2012, the entiredisclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure relate to endoscopicimaging system and methods for multidirectional field of view endoscopywhich can be used to improve the field of view, speed and efficiency ofdiagnostic and therapeutic endoscopic procedures.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

In general, endoscopic imaging systems allow the evaluation of animaland human internal organs. Endoscopes can consist of at least one of thefollowing components, a rigid or flexible tube, a light delivery system,a fluid delivery and recovery system, an air delivery and recoverysystem, a lens system, an eyepiece, a high pixel-count color CCD orimaging transmission system, graphical display unit (monitor), and/oraccessory channel(s) to allow use of devices for manipulation, samplingor imaging of target lesions.

The endoscope may be inserted into any natural orifice of the animal orhuman including the nares, ears, mouth, biliary tract, pancreatic duct,ostomy, urinary tract, vagina, uterus, fallopian tubes, anus and/or anyopening produced by procedures employing an incision or puncture into aninternal body cavity (craniotomy, thoracotomy, mediastinotomy,laparotomy or arthrotomy). While currently available endoscopes arecapable of evaluating target structures by the obligatory forward orother directional field of view obtained by current light delivery andlens systems, in some medical applications this design increases therisk for missed detection of important areas of interest. As a result,there is a need for multi-directional visualization.

Colonoscopy is widely considered the gold standard for detecting mucosalabnormalities in the human colon, and the preferred technique forremoval of many non-invasive lesions requires biopsy, polypectomy orendoscopic resection. There have been well-documented limitationsrelated to the practice of colonoscopy with traditional endoscopicinstruments. Because most colon cancers are believed to arise fromabnormal colon tissue, adenomas, the detection and removal ofadenomatous polyps have been recommended for the prevention of futurecolon cancers. (See, e.g., ref. 1). Missed polyps or cancers have beenone of these unfortunate limitations. (See, e.g., refs. 2-4). Althoughthere are additional factors associated with the risks of missingmucosal lesions such as, a patient's colonic anatomy, patient comfortduring an endoscopic procedure and the quality of bowel preparation, ithas been well established by other investigators, that the location ofmucosal abnormalities is highly associated with failure ofidentification. (See, e.g., ref. 4).

Prior groups have investigated several approaches to attempt todemonstrate an improvement in the diagnostic yield of a colonoscopicprocedure by altering or increasing the conventional forward fields ofview. Unfortunately these studies did not demonstrate a significantincrease in adenoma detection. (See, e.g., refs. 5-7). Nevertheless, theuses of a transparent cap that does not change or improve the field ofview placed on the distal aspect of colonoscopes have demonstrated greatpromise in improving the effectiveness of colonoscopy (see, e.g., refs.8-11) and adenoma detection (see, e.g., ref. 12), however the use ofthese devices are still associated with a significant adenoma miss rate.(See, e.g., ref. 13).

Other researchers have attempted to improve the adenoma detection rateestablished with the use of a conventional endoscopic system byincreasing the total field of view during a colonoscopy by coupling thetraditional endoscope with an auxiliary imaging device, placed withinthe accessory channel, to provide a continuous retrograde view of thetarget organ via the accessory channel. (See, e.g., ref. 14). While thisauxiliary imaging device provides a continuous retrograde field of viewused in combination with traditional forward viewing endoscopes, itrequires the use of an accessory channel of the endoscope. This becomesan important factor during colonoscopy, if used with a standard singlechannel colonoscope, due to the necessity to remove the auxiliaryimaging device to allow for the use of an appropriate auxiliary samplingor retrieval instrument to biopsy, resect and retrieve specimens removedfrom the organ being investigated. This additional equipment has beenshown in a prospective, multicenter, randomized, controlled trial todecrease the relative risk of missing polyps and adenomas but was alsoshown to have a statistically significant increase in the mean totalprocedure times.¹⁵ Auxiliary endoscopic devices placed within theauxiliary channel of the endoscope have the further disadvantage thatthey require an additional endoscope, which increases complexity, easeof use, and cost of the overall procedure.

Thus, there is a need to address at least some of the issues and/ordeficiencies described herein above.

SUMMARY OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

In various exemplary embodiments according to the present disclosure,exemplary configurations for the acquisition of multidirectional viewingduring endoscopic examination can be provided. Exemplary applicationscan be utilized, in which increasing the field of view while using highresolution endoscopic systems can be improved with the exemplaryembodiments of the system and method of continuous and simultaneousforward and multidirectional views during a baroscopic, laparoscopic,angioscopic, or endoscopic procedure.

Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can relate generally toexemplary configuration of optical elements, and to the application(s)thereof in exemplary endoscopic imaging systems which can be used withmedical applications to improve the field of view, speed and efficiencyof an endoscopic procedure. Exemplary embodiments of the presentdisclosure can be applied to rigid, flexible, wireless or telescopingendoscope to provide, e.g., a continuous multi-directional view ofanimate and inanimate hollow spaces.

In one further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a distalimaging attachment and an imaging system can be used in combination witha rigid, flexible, wireless or telescoping endoscope to create acontinuous multi-directional view of animate and inanimate hollowspaces. According to a further exemplary embodiment of the presentdisclosure, the directions are forward and to the side. In yet anotherpreferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the directions areforward and backward. In still yet another further embodiment, thedirections cover approximately a 4pi solid angle that is only obscuredby the device itself. This said distal imaging attachment and imagingsystem may be employed, but not limited to, with endoscopy of animal andhuman internal anatomical organs and borescopy of inanimate closedspaces. Due to its design, the integrated optical element within thisimaging system, allowing both the forward and multidirectional fields ofview.

In yet further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, it isalso possible to accommodate the simultaneous passage of devices via theaccessory channel of a video endoscope or applicable device of which thedistal imaging attachment is applied. For example, optical elements inthe exemplary device can be configured to facilitate a multidirectionalviewing of target organs or spaces with exemplary endoscopes. In anotherexemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the exemplary device canbe retrofitted to alter the native conventional high definitionendoscopes currently used in endoscopic procedures. In still furtherexemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the exemplarydevice/apparatus can be disposable.

Indeed, exemplary embodiments according to the present disclosure asdescribed herein, can be provided as exemplary endoscopic lenssystem(s), and can be termed as “multidirectional”, “simulview” or“retroview”, and utilized as a basis for exemplary embodiments ofendoscopic systems for a deployment.

Further, an exemplary apparatus for imaging at least one anatomicalstructure can be provided, according to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent disclosure. For example, the apparatus can include an endoscopicfirst arrangement, a radiation source second arrangement which providesat least one electro-magnetic radiation, and a third arrangementattached to at least one portion of the endoscopic arrangement. Thethird arrangement can contain an optical arrangement which, upon impactby the at least one electro-magnetic radiation and based thereon, maytransmit a first radiation and reflects a second radiation. The firstradiation can impact at least one first portion of the anatomicalstructure(s), and the second radiation can impact at least one secondportion of the anatomical structure(s). The first and second portionscan be at least partially different from one another. Further, the firstand second radiations can have characteristics which are different fromone another.

For example, the characteristics can include or be wavelengths orpolarizations. A detector arrangement can be provided, whereas theendoscopic arrangement can be associated with the radiation sourcearrangement and the detector arrangement. The first and secondradiations can have spectral regions in red, green and blue band whichdo not substantially overlap with one another. The first radiation canbe directed in a forward direction, and the second radiation can bedirected in a backward direction or a side direction. The thirdarrangement can include a cap that can be connected to an end portion ofthe endoscopic first arrangement. The second radiation cansimultaneously illuminate between 270 and 360 degrees of a field ofview. Further, the radiation source second arrangement can include amodulation arrangement which can be configured to modulate the first andsecond radiations. An electronic arrangement can be provided which isconfigured to synchronize the second arrangement and the detectorarrangement. As an alternative or in addition, the electronicarrangement can be configured to (i) synchronize the modulationarrangement and the detector arrangement, and (ii) control the detectorarrangement to detect signals from the anatomical structure(s)illuminated by the first and second radiation, and separate the signalsbased the synchronization with the modulation arrangement.

According to further exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure,the anatomical structure(s) can be a luminal anatomical structure. Thethird arrangement can include at least one opening which facilitates apassage of instrumentation, air gasses and/or fluids therethrough. Atube can be provided that is associated with the third arrangement, andwhich provide a passage of instrumentation, air gasses and/or fluidstherethrough. Further, the first and second radiations can have aspecific polarization status.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent upon reading the following detailed description of exemplaryembodiments of the present disclosure, when taken in conjunction withthe appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure willbecome apparent from the following detailed description taken inconjunction with the accompanying Figures showing illustrativeembodiments of the present disclosure, in which:

FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional block diagram of an imagingsystem/apparatus and optical elements thereof according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a set of view of an exemplary optical element consists a4-faceted pyramid dichroic mirror which can transmit and reflectradiations with different characteristics according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 a block diagram of an endoscopic arrangement, a radiation sourcearrangement, and a detector arrangement according to exemplaryembodiments of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 4( a) and 4(b) are block diagrams of exemplary modulationarrangements according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 5( a) is a diagram of an exemplary electronic switch based on anoptical chopper according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 5( b) is a diagram of the exemplary electronic switch based on afirst switch position according to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 5( c) is a diagram of the exemplary electronic switch based on asecond switch position according to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 6( a) a diagram of a further exemplary electronic switch based on agalvo scanner at a first switch position according to another exemplaryembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6( a) a diagram of the exemplary electronic switch of FIG. 6( a)based on the galvo scanner at a second switch position according toanother exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 a front view of the optical elements provided within a distalimaging attachment cap of the exemplary imaging system/apparatus of FIG.1;

FIG. 8 a side view of the imaging system/apparatus, optical elements anddistal imaging attachment cap, as shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a set of illustrations providing external distal imageattachments and an overlapping field external display Diagram accordingto exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 10 is a set of exemplary images providing exemplary testing resultsachieved using the exemplary system, method and/or computer-accessiblemedium according to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

Throughout the drawings, the same reference numerals and characters,unless otherwise stated, are used to denote like features, elements,components, or portions of the illustrated embodiments. Moreover, whilethe present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference tothe figures, it is done so in connection with the illustrativeembodiments and is not limited by the particular embodiments illustratedin the figures, and/or the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Using the exemplary embodiments of the apparatus, system and method ofthe present disclosure, it is possible to facilitate a visualization ofa plurality of fields of view, e.g., at a plurality of angles withrespect to the long axis of the endoscope by multiplexing image fieldsof view using an optical apparatus. In one exemplary embodiment of thepresent disclosure, an optical apparatus/system can be provided whichcan be partially reflective and/or may be a polarization or wavelengthselective such that certain wavelengths or polarization states aredirected to and/or received from different field angles and thereforeilluminate and/or receive different fields of view.

The exemplary states may be altered by changing the characteristics ofthe optics or the optical characteristics of the light, such as thewavelengths or the polarization state. For example, such changes ofwavelengths can be different bands of wavelengths in the RGB spectrum.Alternatively, the different wavelengths may be comprised of differentwavelength bands in the visible and NIR spectrum. Furthermore, e.g., thecharacteristic(s) of the light is not changed by the optical apparatus,but the images are separated using software algorithms. In yet anotherembodiment, the optical apparatus contains a beam splitter. In a furtherexemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the optical apparatuscan be configured and/or structured to be within a cap that can beattached to the distal end of an endoscope, a catheter, a borescope,and/or a laparoscope device. For example, the cap can be disposable,and/or can contain one or more apertures or openings to allow thepassage of devices, fluids, or tissue to effect a change in the anatomicstructure.

According to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, thearrangement of optical elements coupled with or to certain endoscopes,and exemplary signal processing methods can facilitate an acquisition ofcontinuous multi-directional views, without the need for additionalauxiliary imaging devices deployed through the endoscope accessorychannel.

FIG. 1 shows a side cross-sectional block diagram of an imagingsystem/apparatus and optical elements thereof according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present disclosure. For example, a distal imagingattachment cap 1 of the exemplary imaging system of FIG. 1 can befacilitated in an endoscope 14. The attachment cap 1 can contain anoptical element/arrangement 4 which can include certain multipleconfigurations, such as but not limited to a fiber optic bundle, atapered fiber optic bundle, a cone mirror, a partial cone mirror, apentagon mirror, an inverted pyramid mirror, a prism, and/or multiplemobile optical elements. The use of such exemplary opticalelement/arrangement 4 can achieve, e.g., a side and retrogradeendoscopic view while maintaining the endoscope's field of view 5, suchas the forward field of view. The exemplary optical element 4 may alsohave or applied thereto a customized reflective material to facilitate adetailed and customized manipulation of the field of view orwavelengths. Such exemplary arrangement can facilitate the user of theexemplary endoscopic system to view both the forward field of view 5 andfields of view located to the side and retrograde 6 to the endoscope'sobjective lens 2 and endoscope light 3.

According to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, asshown in FIG. 2, the exemplary optical element 4 can be, e.g., a4-faceted pyramid dichroic mirror which can transmit and/or reflectradiations (e.g., electromagnetic radiations, including light, etc.)with different characteristics. For example, the exemplarycharacteristics can include and/or be wavelengths or polarizations. Thefirst and second radiations can have spectral regions in red, green andblue bands which likely do not substantially overlap with one another(at least for the most part). In addition or alternatively, the firstand second radiations can have a specific polarization status. Forexample, the first radiation can be directed in a forward direction 21,and the second radiation can be directed in a backward direction or sidedirections (e.g., directions 22, 23, 24, 25).

Further, turning to FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent disclosure, it is possible to facilitate a toggling via a manualand/or electronic switch 8 (which can include a modulation arrangement),e.g., to apply an exemplary procedure to filter, polarize, bend and/orexclude predetermined wavelength(s) of one or more radiations (e.g.,lights) 7 of an endoscopic light/radiation source 9. As indicatedherein, the distal imaging attachment cap 1 can be placed at the distaltip of the endoscope 14.

According to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, asshown in FIG. 3, a system can be provided (which can include but notlimited to one or more of, e.g., computer 31, video capture device andsynchronization signal generator 32, and endoscope video processor 33).The endoscopic arrangement 14 can be associated with the radiationsource arrangement (which can include but not limited to one or more of,e.g., endoscopic light/radiation source 9, an exemplary procedure tofilter, polarize, bend and/or exclude predetermined wavelength(s) of theradiation(s) 7, and manual and/or electronic switch 8) and a detectorarrangement. Further, as indicated herein above, the radiation sourcearrangement can include the modulation arrangement (including, e.g.,element 8) which can be configured to modulate the first and secondradiations. The computer 31 and/or the signal generator 32 can beconfigured to synchronize the radiation source arrangement (including,e.g., elements 8, 9) and/or the entire system (including e.g., elements31, 32, and 33). As an alternative or in addition, the computer 31and/or the signal generator 32 can be configured to (i) synchronize themodulation arrangement (including, e.g., element 8) and the detectorarrangement, and/or (ii) control the system to detect signals from theanatomical structure(s) illuminated by the first and second radiation,and separate the signals based the synchronization with the modulationarrangement (e.g., element 8).

According to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure,as shown in FIG. 4( a), an exemplary modulation arrangement of anotherexemplary embodiment of the present disclosure can include a beamsplitter 41 to divide the radiation (e.g., light and/or beam) into twobeam paths. For example, one beam can pass a filter for predeterminedwavelength(s) or polarization(s) 44 to provide the first radiation 45.The other beam can be reflected by a mirror 42, and can pass anotherfilter for another predetermined wavelength(s) or polarization 43 withdifferent characteristics compared with the wavelength(s) orpolarization 44 to provide the second radiation 46.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4( b), another exemplary modulationarrangement according to still another exemplary embodiment of thepresent disclosure can include a beam splitter for predeterminedwavelength(s) or polarization 47 to provide the first radiation 45 andthe second radiation 46.

FIGS. 5( a)-5(c) illustrate block diagrams of various exemplaryelectronic switches according to further exemplary embodiments of thepresent disclosure. The exemplary electronic switches of FIGS. 5(a)-5(c) can include an optical chopper 51 synchronized with the computer31 and/or the signal generator 32 (shown in FIG. 3). The first radiation45 and second radiation 46 can be alternatively coupled into theendoscope 14 by exemplary optical components (e.g., a mirror 52, a beamsplitter 53, and a lens 54). Such exemplary optical components can beswitched by the optical chopper's positions, as shown in FIGS. 5( b) and5(c).

FIGS. 6( a) and 6(b) show another exemplary electronic switcharrangement according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the presentdisclosure, provided in different switch position. The exemplary switcharrangement of FIGS. 6( a) and 6(b) can include a galvo scanner 61 whichcan be synchronized with the computer 31 and/or the signal generator 32(shown in FIG. 3). For example, the first radiation 45 and the secondradiation 46 can be alternatively coupled into the endoscope 14 byexemplary optical components (e.g., lens 62) switched by the galvoscanner's positions as shown in FIGS. 6( a) and 6(b).

According to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, asshown in FIG. 7, the exemplary distal imaging attachment cap 1 canfacilitate a use of a fluid delivery channel 76 and/or an accessorychannel 72 to maintain its original use by providing a non-obstructivepathway for an endoscopic manipulation within the endoscope 14 via theaccessory channel 72. Other

Exemplary Image Processing

In one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, with reference toFIG. 1, the exemplary system/apparatus/method can be used for asimultaneous or controlled switching between the above described forwardfield of view 5 and the side/retrograde field of view 6. In order tofacilitate accurate localization of target lesions obtained with theexemplary imaging system, an exemplary procedure 12 (which can be usedto program a processing hardware arrangement, such as, e.g., a computer)can be used to deconstruct a wavelength/polarization “profile” of eachfield of view 10, 11 by electronically splitting native andmultidirectional fields of view.

Using an a light/radiation source of the endoscope 14, exemplaryselective filtering of, e.g., white light to facilitate only thereflectance or transmission phase to be analyzed can be accomplished byplacing applying a filter at the endoscope's connection to itsprocessing arrangement (e.g., the processor). Toggling between the onand off phases, e.g., manually (such as with a manual foot pedal),automatically or via an electronic switch, the reflected or transmittedlight/radiation can then be deconstructed via a further procedure whichcan program or configure the processing arrangement to continuouslydisplay the forward and multidirectional fields of view 13.

According to yet further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure,another procedure can be provided which can program or configure theprocessing arrangement to deconstruct each pixel, and display the twoprofiles determined by the reflective transmission wavelengths,polarizations or characteristic properties established by a specialarrangement 7, the optical element(s) 4 and angles of observation ofeach field of view 5, 6.

The exemplary imaging system of FIG. 1 can also use of an alternativelight source which can be deployed, e.g., via the cap irrigation channel81 (shown in FIG. 8). The use of such light source via the irrigationchannel 81 can provide and/or facilitate, e.g., a further selectivemanipulation of the reflectance and transmission frequencies for animproved discretion between the phases for an exemplary imagemanipulation via a procedure which can program or configure theprocessing arrangement to perform such exemplary function.

Exemplary Application of Exemplary Embodiment

Exemplary Cap Design

According to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, aplastic, transparent, semi-flexible disposable cap 1 can be fitted overthe distal tip of the endoscope 14 via a friction fit configuration 82,as shown in FIG. 8. The exemplary design and/or configuration of thiscap 1 can be provided in various ways, e.g., depending on the indicationof the exemplary endoscopic procedure. Shapes of the exemplary cap 1 caninclude, but are not limited to oblique or perpendicular angled shapes,in respect to the distal aspect of the endoscope 14 and a location ofthe objective lens 2.

In a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the distalimaging attachment is designed to be in a specific orientation so as tofacilitate the native functions of the endoscope to continue to operatewithout an interruption. To facilitate the function of, e.g., cleaningthe endoscopes objective lens 71, a light guide 74, an air nozzle 73,and a water nozzle 75 (as shown in FIG. 7), the exemplary cap 1 caninclude a clearance chamber 83 (as shown in FIG. 8), which can seal thedistal apparatus away from luminal liquid and contents, while continuingto facilitate the instillation of water for imaging and cleaning. Thisabove described exemplary clearance chamber 83 can contain a perforationlocated above the accessory chamber 86 to facilitate suctioning ofcontents of the clearance chamber 83. To facilitate the distal imagingcap to be cleaned, a water jet output channel (e.g., the fluid deliverychamber) 76 can be provided which is structured and/or designed to beunobstructed by the exemplary cap 1. Furthermore, to provide moreaggressive cleansing, e.g., the distal imaging cap is also structuredand/or designed with an irrigator port 81 which can facilitate theattachment of a lavage device or syringe to aid in a clearance of liquidand/or debris from the distal attachment cap 1.

Further, the exemplary cap 1 can be coupled with multiple opticalelements 85 in the optical chamber 84.

Overlapping Field Cap Design

According to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure,it is possible to use a plastic, transparent, semi-flexible anddisposable cap, which can facilitate a circular configuration andarrangement of multiple imaging detectors within a small collar 91, asshown in FIG. 9. This exemplary collar 91 can facilitate overlapping,multidirectional and circumferential views of the desired target sample(e.g., organ) or space being inspected. This exemplary configuration canfacilitate the use of multiple light sources and independent opticalsensors, e.g., bypassing a preference to alter the conventionalendoscopes light source. Exemplary image processing of images obtainedusing the system, apparatus and method according to the presentdisclosure can be accomplished using the exemplary proceduresimplemented on the exemplary processing arrangement, as describedherein. For example, depending on the number of optical elements placedwithin the exemplary imaging collar-cap design, an exemplary procedureimplemented on the exemplary processing arrangement according to anexemplary embodiment of the present disclosure can assist in analignment of the signals to provide, e.g., a 360 degree,multidirectional field of view 92, as shown in FIG. 9.

Exemplary Testing

Further exemplary testing was performed using the following: (1) Polkadot beam splitter, (2) 50:50 beam splitter AOI 45 degree, (3) long passdichroic mirror, 50% Trans. Refl. At 567 nm, (4) cone mirror or (5)395/495/610 nm Triple-edge dichroic beam splitter installed at multipledistances distal to the endoscopes objective leans. Preliminary testingwith both a white light and infrared light source was successful indemonstrating that selective observation of the forward and retrogradeviews could be accomplished if the optical element was oriented at anangle such as a 45 degree, 30 degree, or 60 degree angle to theendoscopes objective lens.

FIG. 10 shows a set of exemplary images achieved using the exemplarysystem, method and/or computer-accessible medium according to theexemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Such exemplary imageswere based on exemplary testing result using an exemplary softwareseparation via a simultaneously illumination and utilizing a 442/505/635nm Yokogawa dichroic beamsplitter installed at the distal to a CCDcamera with lens. Massachusetts General Hospital (“MGH”) logo andHarvard Medical School (“HMS”) logo were used as the image targets,placed in front of, and at side of the dichroic beamsplitter,respectively. In this testing, the white light source was not modulatedand illuminated on the two image targets simultaneously. The separatelycaptured exemplary individual images of the logos are shown in FIG. 10as MGH 102, and HMS 103. A captured exemplary combined image 101 withthe two logos in positions at the same time was the image intended to beprocessed. The exemplary procedure 12 described herein above withrespect to FIG. 1 (which may be used to program a processing hardwarearrangement, such as, e.g., a computer) can be utilized to deconstructthe wavelength “profile” of each field of view by splitting the nativeand multidirectional fields of view with the two logos. For example, theexemplary procedure 12 can be one or more programs including, but notlimited to, e.g., Neural Network and/or Independent Component Analysis,or other procedure/program which can configure the processing hardwarearrangement to separate the two views from the captured combined image101. The exemplary reconstructed images of each field of view are shownin FIG. 10 as images 104, 105, respectively. The exemplary softwarebased separation, which splits the two views as described herein, cansignificantly reduce the complexity of various components/parts of theprocedure, system and computer-accessible medium according to theexemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

An exemplary integration of such exemplary configuration that isassociated with a distal imaging cap which is coupled with variousoptical elements has been described herein.

The foregoing merely illustrates the principles of the invention.Various modifications and alterations to the described embodiments willbe apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein.Indeed, the arrangements, systems and methods according to the exemplaryembodiments of the present invention can be used with any OCT system,OFDI system, SD-OCT system or other imaging systems, and for examplewith those described in International Patent ApplicationPCT/US2004/029148, filed Sep. 8, 2004, U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/266,779, filed Nov. 2, 2005, and U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/501,276, filed Jul. 9, 2004, the disclosures of which areincorporated by reference herein in their entireties. It will thus beappreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devisenumerous systems, arrangements and methods which, although notexplicitly shown or described herein, embody the principles of theinvention and are thus within the spirit and scope of the presentinvention. In addition, to the extent that the prior art knowledge hasnot been explicitly incorporated by reference herein above, it isexplicitly being incorporated herein in its entirety. All publicationsreferenced herein above are incorporated herein by reference in theirentireties.

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What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for imaging at least one anatomicalstructure, comprising: an endoscopic first arrangement; a radiationsource second arrangement provides at least one electro-magneticradiation; and a third arrangement attached to at least one portion ofthe endoscopic arrangement, and containing an optical arrangement which,upon impact by the at least one electro-magnetic radiation and basedthereon, transmits a first radiation and reflects a second radiation,wherein the first radiation impacts at least one first portion of the atleast one anatomical structure, and the second radiation impacts atleast one second portion of the at least one anatomical structure, thefirst and second portions being at least partially different from oneanother, wherein the first and second radiations have characteristicswhich are different from one another.
 2. The apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein the characteristics are wavelengths or polarizations.3. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a detectorarrangement, wherein the endoscopic arrangement is associated with theradiation source arrangement and the detector arrangement.
 4. Theapparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first and second radiationshave spectral regions in red, green and blue band which do notsubstantially overlap with one another.
 5. The apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein the first radiation is directed in a forward direction,and wherein the second radiation is directed in a backward direction ora side direction.
 6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein thethird arrangement includes a cap that is connected to an end portion ofthe endoscopic first arrangement.
 7. The apparatus according to claim 5,wherein the second radiation simultaneously illuminates between 270 and360 degrees of a field of view.
 8. The apparatus according to claim 5,wherein the radiation source second arrangement includes a modulationarrangement which is configured to modulate the first and secondradiations.
 9. The apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising anelectronic arrangement which is configured to synchronize the secondarrangement and the detector arrangement.
 10. The apparatus according toclaim 8, further comprising an electronic arrangement which isconfigured (i) synchronize the modulation arrangement and the detectorarrangement, and (ii) control the detector arrangement to detect signalsfrom the at least one anatomical structure illuminated by the first andsecond radiations, and separate the signals based the synchronizationwith the modulation arrangement.
 11. The apparatus according to claim 1,wherein the at least one anatomical structure is a luminal anatomicalstructure.
 12. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the thirdarrangement includes at least one opening which facilitates a passage ofinstrumentation, air gasses and fluids therethrough.
 13. The apparatusaccording to claim 1, further comprising a tube associated with thethird arrangement, and provides a passage of instrumentation, air gassesand fluids therethrough.
 14. The apparatus according to claim 1, whereinthe first and second radiations have a specific polarization status.